Activists Cleared of Violent Disorder at UK Defence Site
Three activists from the Palestine Action group have been acquitted of violent disorder related to an incident at a UK site operated by an Israel-based defence company.
Charlotte Head, aged 29, Samuel Corner, 23, and Leona Kamio, 30, faced allegations connected to a break-in at an Elbit Systems facility near Bristol.
During proceedings at Woolwich Crown Court on Monday, Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC announced that the Crown Prosecution Service would not present evidence on the violent disorder charge.
The trio remain charged with criminal damage alongside Fatema Zainab Rajwani, 21, Zoe Rogers, 22, and Jordan Devlin, 31. Additionally, Samuel Corner is charged with grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent.
Mr Justice Johnson formally acquitted Head, Corner, and Kamio of violent disorder, stating:
"I will direct not guilty verdicts in respect of those three defendants on that count."
The six defendants are still facing trial on charges of criminal damage, with Corner additionally charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent to police officer Kate Evans.
A jury has been sworn in for the ongoing case, though the prosecution is not expected to commence its opening statements until Wednesday.
Judge's Directions to the Jury
Before adjourning, Mr Justice Johnson provided jurors with preliminary instructions, emphasizing the importance of impartiality. He urged them to avoid distraction by the legal controversy surrounding Palestine Action's designation as a terrorist organisation and to disregard any personal opinions regarding Israeli military actions in Gaza.
"You will appreciate it is vitally important that you judge the case only on the evidence, not on the basis of what the defendants, or you, the home secretary, the government or anyone else thinks about Palestine Action and events in the Middle East,"
"Whether you think they [the defendants] had some moral justification is completely beside the point,"
"Your views on the conflict in Gaza must be put to one side. They are completely irrelevant to your job in this case."
Jurors were also instructed to disregard any demonstrations outside the court. A small group of supporters of the defendants assembled outside the building, displaying signs and Palestinian flags during the hearing.
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